Bonfire Night KS1 Activities Using the Muddy Puddle Teacher (MPT) Approach: Nature-Based, Engaging, and Fun
Celebrate Bonfire Night with our Bonfire Night KS1 Activities inspired by the Muddy Puddle Teacher (MPT) approach! This resource is crafted for Key Stage 1 learners, bringing the excitement of Bonfire Night into outdoor, nature-inspired learning experiences that focus on hands-on, eco-friendly play. With creative, safe, and sensory-rich activities, children can explore the themes of Bonfire Night through natural elements, fostering curiosity and developing essential skills.
Features:
- Nature-Based Crafts and Art: Engage children with eco-friendly craft ideas, such as leaf and stick firework art, mud kitchen “fireworks potions,” and glow-in-the-dark sensory bottles.
- Literacy and Phonics Activities: Firework-themed phonics and literacy games that encourage sound recognition and blending while getting active.
- Physical Development and Imaginative Play: Let children “be the fireworks” with streamer dancing, outdoor obstacle courses, and jump games that capture the spirit of Bonfire Night.
- Mindful and Sensory-Friendly: A quiet, nature-focused alternative to traditional fireworks, ideal for children who prefer gentle, immersive play.
Why Choose This Resource?
Our Bonfire Night KS1 Activities Using the MPT Approach offers a unique blend of play, creativity, and nature connection, allowing children to celebrate Bonfire Night in a safe, engaging, and meaningful way. Perfect for teachers, parents, and outdoor educators, this resource makes seasonal celebrations unforgettable while supporting KS1 learning goals.
1. Firework-Themed Phonics Activities
A great way to combine phonics learning with Bonfire Night excitement is through fireworks-themed phonics activities. Create “fireworks sounds” by writing letters or phonemes on colorful paper stars and spreading them around your outdoor area. Children can hunt for the sounds, “pop” each sound as they find it, or blend them to make simple words.
This interactive activity is ideal for helping children develop their sound recognition skills while getting them active. For more phonics-based games and resources for KS1, check out PhonicsPlay, which has various interactive phonics activities designed for early learners.
2. Nature Fireworks Art
One of the most enjoyable ways to celebrate Bonfire Night without the loud bangs is through nature-based art projects. Take children outside to gather natural items such as leaves, sticks, and pinecones. Use these items to create “firework” patterns by dipping them in paint and stamping them on paper. This sensory-rich activity allows children to explore textures and colours, making it a wonderful way to connect with nature while creating beautiful artwork.
Creating art with natural materials is also a great way to introduce the concept of sustainable, eco-friendly celebrations. For more ideas on incorporating nature into classroom activities, The Woodland Trust offers plenty of resources to help teachers bring outdoor learning into their lessons.
3. Storytelling Around an Outdoor ‘Bonfire’
Bonfire Night has a rich historical background, and sharing this story in an age-appropriate way can be both educational and memorable. Create a safe, simulated “bonfire” using an LED campfire light or a cluster of tea lights arranged safely in the centre of a circle. Gather the children around and share the story of Guy Fawkes and why Bonfire Night is celebrated in the UK.
You can encourage students to create their own stories or poems about the excitement of Bonfire Night and the fireworks display. Storytelling promotes
